The ACC Atlantic game is up for grabs
One team is expected to be in this situation as Virginia Tech comes in. But the other is quite the surprise as at 9-2 Virginia has a shot at playing for the ACC championship. Virginia who has been lead by their defense to this point. They also expect to lead them through the game into the ACC championship game against Boston College. Of course we will want to watch out for the Cavalier’s Sewell as he could tuck the ball and run at any point. Also he will be looking for revenge against the Hokies since they have won 3 straight years in this 89 year rivalry. It will take 60 straight minutes of good play for Virginia to win this game, this year.
Beamer and his Hokies plan to keep that from happening though. With “Beamer” ball in play watch out for some impressive special teams. Yet a defense that will be looking to keep Virginia from scoring. As neither team is really prepared for any kind of shoot out. Need less to say the Hokies, or the Cavaliers wouldn’t mind to be able to make this game into a blow out. If either team scores 30 points they win most likely no matter how good either teams offense is, or special teams. A little ACC mix up is perhaps in the making here today?.. Or perhaps the expected looms.
Virginia Tech 21 Virginia 20
115 years of playing have never been this important
If I were asked what was more important the first 115 times these teams have played or this one game, I’d have to say it would be this game. Missouri and Kansas both are in the National title hunt. As either team just has to win here and then beat the Big 12 south opponent in the championship to get into the national title game. Seeing as LSU lost to Arkansas now there is no way either team should or could be counted out. Kansas is 11-0 and looking at their best season in for ever. They also have a shot to be the only BCS team to go undefeated this season. As Hawaii is also undefeated but not a BCS team.
Two of the nation’s top offenses and quarterbacks are coming into this game. As both Daniels and Reesing have thirty touchdowns. Also to many the winning team’s quarterback should be shot up into the Heisman picture. The question remains which teams defense will step up. Kansas’s defense has looked better recently. But can they step up the challenge this week. Neither teams’ offense can really be expected to be totally relied on. Which may give the upper hand to the Tigers as they have deadly return man, Jeremy McLain. If you have a heart condition this may not be the game for you.
Kansas 53 Missouri 49Don’t count the Big East out this week.
Could this be the year. Could this finally be the season that they step up and make it into the national title game. Well plenty in West Virginia hope so. But to do so they’ll have to survive this week against the surprise team of the Big East in Connecticut. Who would like to win the conference. As this game will decide. But can the Huskies keep playing as they have been. Or will this be the year for the Mountaineers. Who haven’t lost since they fell to South Florida. Of course all the pressure is on at home now that LSU fell. A win and they get to keep in the title race a loss and all of the sudden the Buckeyes are sitting in an almost automatic national title spot.
The Huskies hope that their defense which has been playing well will step up and be able to contain Steve Slaton and Pat White. Though U-Conn’s fourth season in the Big East has been amazing, some still say that they’ve been lucky with opponents making mistakes that they cash in on. But the Huskies will have to prove other wise if they want to win this game today. 60 minutes of football separates one of these teams from a Big East Championship. Don’t expect a whole lot in this game, it is just another crazy one.
U-Conn 23 West Virginia 20
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Week 12 Poll
McConkey Poll
Week 12
Rob McConkey
Rank Last Week AP Team Record Point Avg.
1 2 1 LSU 10-1 .707
2 3 2 Kansas 11-0 .676
3 5 5 Ohio St. 11-1 .675
4 8 4 West Virginia 9-1 .674
5 6 3 Missouri 10-1 .672
6 1 9 Oregon 8-2 .671
7 4 7 Arizona St. 9-1 .670
8 9 6 Georgia 9-2 .662
9 17 15 Boston College 9-2 .647
10 11 13 Texas 9-2 .645
11 13 12 Florida 8-3 .644
12 10 16 Virginia 9-2 .639
13 14 14 Hawaii 10-0 .638
14 15 8 Virginia Tech 9-2 .638
15 7 10 Oklahoma 9-2 .634
16 16 17 Boise St. 10-1 .627
17 20 19 Tennessee 8-3 .626
18 21 18 Illinois 9-3 .616
19 25 23 BYU 8-2 .613
20 19 20 Connecticut 9-2 .612
21 23 11 USC 8-2 .609
22 12 24 Cincinnati 8-3 .609
23 24 NR south Florida 8-3 .606
24 18 21 Clemson 8-3 .591
25 NR 22 Wisconsin 9-3 .574
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Week 12 in Review
Well two more top 5 teams went down. But to make this more fun for me I'm not going to tell you who yet. Mean while a defensive showdown was brewing in Ann Arbor and perhaps a retirement stewing. While the SEC had a game no one is proud of. Then a thriller in East Lansing and a game that means absolutely nothing in South Bend.
So number 1 LSU had to travel to Ole Miss. This game should definetely be a blow out right? Well the score was in some what in agreement but the offenses weren't. As the Rebels actually managed to out gain the Tigers offensively. But the Tiger's defense would help them keep the Rebels from scoring. In a game that seemed to have potential to develop into a great game. As the scoring started off back and forth for the first quarter as the Tigers jumped out on top 7-0 but then Green's punt return made the score 7-7. From there the Tigers would score the last points of the half. As the score at the end of the first quarter and the first half would be 14-7. Not the easy game we were expecting. Well Tiger fans wouldn't have to worry much longer. As the 2nd half started LSU put together a 54 yard drive for a touchdown adding the score up to 21-7. Then Ole Miss looking to keep this crazy season going along managed to get a field goal but the Tigers wouldn't take long to respond with a field goal of their own before the end of the third quarter. As the differnce remained 14, 24-10. So now Ole Miss was looking to muster some sort of miracle, although hopes were bleak since they are the only remaining SEC team with no shot of becoming bowl eligible. Another long LSU drive would lead to a field goal so now it was 27-10. But not so fast Ole Miss was quick to respond and make it 27-17. Unfortunately for those calling for an upset the Tigers were quick to score too. Making it 34-17 and then although Ole Miss would score so would LSU making the final 41-24. LSU now controls their own destiny for the national title. With two games remaining as they have to play Arkansas who has been a dissapointment with Darren McFadden not the all star he was speculated to be. Then they have either Tennessee or Georgia in the SEC title game. Tennessee just needs to win or Georgia loses for a Tennessee LSU game for the conference title. LSU doesn't have a sure national title shot since either game could result in a loss.
Lets hear about the number 2 team in the nation, Oregon. Well a Thursday night game, and coming off a bye. So Oregon should be able to win this game right? Well they have to get through the loud Arizona fans and the Wildcat's team. Oregon came out looking like a #2 team as they jumped up to a 8-0 lead on a 2 and a half minute, 70 yard drive. But Arizona didn't just leave they responded with a touchdown of their own making the score 8-7. Then with back and forth field goals the score at the end of the first quarter would be 11-10. But then it happened, Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon went to the turf in pain. A twisted knee costing him a shot at the heisman and even more the rest of the season. The fall of Dixon would turn the tide of the game. As to start the 2nd quarter the Wildcats would pick off the replacement and take it back for a touchdown. Making the score 17-11. But this was only the start in a shocker. Next time the Wildcats touched the ball. A long 46 yard pass which would be run in for a touchdown and a 24-11 lead over the nations number 2 team. This wasn't it either. They would also score another touchdown on a punt return making the score 31-11. Oregon would get a field goal to make it 31-14. But this game was already over or so it seems. In the third Oregon failed to do anything but get a field goal to make it 31-17. But a touchdown with 7 and a half remaining would making the score 31-24. But the Wildcats would control for a majority of the remaining time and kick a field goal and lead us to our final score of 34-24. This would open up the #2 spot for the Big 12 teams.
Kansas? Could they survive the upset minded Cyclones of Iowa State. Well let 45-7 explain it and a 4 touchdown performance by Reesing. Thanks to the the Jayhawks are now 11-0 with their first 11 win season in school history. But could Oklahoma keep pace? With the Big 12 championship coming up surely they wouldn't lose any ground against a team like Texas Tech. After Oklahoma came out and went out on top 7-0 the game really started. But because Sam Bradford went down, sounds like the Oregon Ducks now doesn't it, well the Red Raiders would put up 13 points in the first quarter to make it 13-7. But it really was the Harrell show for Texas Tech, as he would throw the ball over 40 times in the first half. But not in a failing way either as he threw 2 straight touchdowns in the second quarter to make it a 27-7 game and really make it look like it was over. All Oklahoma could do before the half was kick a field goal and make it a 17 point game going into the locker room. But it was really put away in the third quarter as the Red Raiders would score again to make it 34-10. Although the Sooners did manage a field goal before the end of the quarter. So with only fifteen minutes left the Red Raiders just had to hold on to a big 21 point lead for another 15 minutes. But would they be able to do it? Half way through the fourth the Sooners would manage a touchdown to make it 34-20. But the Sooners wouldn't get into the endzone again until there was only 34 seconds left in the game. After that they wouldn't see the endzone again and that would be the difference as the final of this game was 34-27 in favor of the Raiders. Well now their isn't even certainty in the Big 12 championship game. As Missouri and Kansas go head to head next week and then Oklahoma could lose it's bid if it loses to Oklahoma State. What this really opens up for the rest of the nation is for other 1 loss teams. Since now a Big 12 South team could knock off the Big 12 north winner and allow a 1 loss team to jump up. Missouri if you were wondering would beat Kansas State 49-32. Although Kansas State had the lead at one point it really ended up becoming the Chase Daniel show.
So it was that time of year again. When those two teams who hate each other more than anything else get together. They go at it for usually a Big 10 championship. As Michigan and Ohio State had the battle in the Big House this year. In a game that was wet and cold could Michigan's senoirs pull out the win, their last chance. Well in the first quarter it actually seemed like the hope was their the passion. As they put together 40 rushing yards and a few successful drives on way to a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. But then it became the Beenie Wells show. As he would help the Buckeyes score a touchdown to make it 7-3 relatively early in the 2nd quarter. Henne left for a while in the second but when Mallett came in the problems would seem to be gone but then quickly re appear with a sack. So in all honesty an injured Henne and Hart and recievers who weren't giving any help as they weren't able to hold on to a pass at all. Leading to a 7-3 game at the half. Although Michigan would get a pick in Ohio State territory at the end of the first half but un able to connect on the field goal. But then the first time Ohio State touched the ball in the second half they would score a 68 yard rushing touchdown. From that point on Michigan's defense was decisive and knew what they wanted. Unfortunately for the Wolverines they just seemed un able to score anything. As either the recievers dropped the balls or Hart couldn't get any help or Henne got pressured. Leading up to what would end up being a 14-3 final. As Michigan's rushing yardage actually went down through out the last 3 quarters. They also failed to get over 100 yards. So the outcome? Ohio State will be going to the Rose Bowl in less they manage to get enough help to go to the national title. Meanwhile Michigan will either be playing a game in the Citrus, Outback or Alamo bowl. Based on who picks them. Seeing as Illinois has a more impressive win over Ohio State and a better overall record. Then Wisconsin also beat Michigan head on head and then is better at traveling so the Outback may take them. Although Michigan is #2 in the Big Ten they may fall all the way to the Alamo Bowl. The other speculation is that a press conference this upcoming Monday could be to announce Lloyd Carr's retirement. Which would lead some to wonder what next for Michigan. Les Miles? LSU's coach perhaps. Or would it be somebody else... perhaps the Cincinnati coach.
West Virginia would keep the Bearcats of Cincinnati at bay 28-23. Keeping their title hopes alive. With all that has happened they'd be the first to get in if LSU or both Big 12 north teams fall at least it seems.
Then in East Lansing the Spartans got to play Penn State. Although the Spartans went up 7-0 early. They wouldn't manage to keep pace with the Nittany Lions for a while. As the Nittany Lions would score and then score a few more before half to make it 17-7 going into the locker room. Not exactly what Michigan State was looking for with 10 Big 10 teams bowl eligible. They really need this win and they stepped up?? Well Penn State would make a strong point as they would score on a fake field goal to make it 24-7. But from their it really became the Michigan State hurrah. As they would score two straight touchdowns to make it 24-21. But Penn State wasn't done either as they came back and scored a touchdown themselves. Though they looked to have momentum back on their side Michigan State's Caulcrick had other ideas. AS he would help lead the Spartans to a touchdown with 11 minutes left in the game making the score 31-28. But then he would also score a huge touchdown with 4 minutes left in the game making the score 35-31. Well Penn State failed to do anything with the ball the first time they got it. Then they managed to get it back with very little time left in the game. But because the quarterback scrambled and then threw it to the center of the field the time ran out. Giving the Spartans their 7th victory this season 35-31. So results of this one? Well now Michigan State should definetly go to a bowl game. Whether or not it is the Motor City bowl or Insight bowl, or Sun Bowl I'm not sure. Depends on how it shakes out. No matter what it is better than the 2-9 Notre Dame Irish who managed their second win against Duke 28-7.
Poll coming on Tuesday!!
So number 1 LSU had to travel to Ole Miss. This game should definetely be a blow out right? Well the score was in some what in agreement but the offenses weren't. As the Rebels actually managed to out gain the Tigers offensively. But the Tiger's defense would help them keep the Rebels from scoring. In a game that seemed to have potential to develop into a great game. As the scoring started off back and forth for the first quarter as the Tigers jumped out on top 7-0 but then Green's punt return made the score 7-7. From there the Tigers would score the last points of the half. As the score at the end of the first quarter and the first half would be 14-7. Not the easy game we were expecting. Well Tiger fans wouldn't have to worry much longer. As the 2nd half started LSU put together a 54 yard drive for a touchdown adding the score up to 21-7. Then Ole Miss looking to keep this crazy season going along managed to get a field goal but the Tigers wouldn't take long to respond with a field goal of their own before the end of the third quarter. As the differnce remained 14, 24-10. So now Ole Miss was looking to muster some sort of miracle, although hopes were bleak since they are the only remaining SEC team with no shot of becoming bowl eligible. Another long LSU drive would lead to a field goal so now it was 27-10. But not so fast Ole Miss was quick to respond and make it 27-17. Unfortunately for those calling for an upset the Tigers were quick to score too. Making it 34-17 and then although Ole Miss would score so would LSU making the final 41-24. LSU now controls their own destiny for the national title. With two games remaining as they have to play Arkansas who has been a dissapointment with Darren McFadden not the all star he was speculated to be. Then they have either Tennessee or Georgia in the SEC title game. Tennessee just needs to win or Georgia loses for a Tennessee LSU game for the conference title. LSU doesn't have a sure national title shot since either game could result in a loss.
Lets hear about the number 2 team in the nation, Oregon. Well a Thursday night game, and coming off a bye. So Oregon should be able to win this game right? Well they have to get through the loud Arizona fans and the Wildcat's team. Oregon came out looking like a #2 team as they jumped up to a 8-0 lead on a 2 and a half minute, 70 yard drive. But Arizona didn't just leave they responded with a touchdown of their own making the score 8-7. Then with back and forth field goals the score at the end of the first quarter would be 11-10. But then it happened, Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon went to the turf in pain. A twisted knee costing him a shot at the heisman and even more the rest of the season. The fall of Dixon would turn the tide of the game. As to start the 2nd quarter the Wildcats would pick off the replacement and take it back for a touchdown. Making the score 17-11. But this was only the start in a shocker. Next time the Wildcats touched the ball. A long 46 yard pass which would be run in for a touchdown and a 24-11 lead over the nations number 2 team. This wasn't it either. They would also score another touchdown on a punt return making the score 31-11. Oregon would get a field goal to make it 31-14. But this game was already over or so it seems. In the third Oregon failed to do anything but get a field goal to make it 31-17. But a touchdown with 7 and a half remaining would making the score 31-24. But the Wildcats would control for a majority of the remaining time and kick a field goal and lead us to our final score of 34-24. This would open up the #2 spot for the Big 12 teams.
Kansas? Could they survive the upset minded Cyclones of Iowa State. Well let 45-7 explain it and a 4 touchdown performance by Reesing. Thanks to the the Jayhawks are now 11-0 with their first 11 win season in school history. But could Oklahoma keep pace? With the Big 12 championship coming up surely they wouldn't lose any ground against a team like Texas Tech. After Oklahoma came out and went out on top 7-0 the game really started. But because Sam Bradford went down, sounds like the Oregon Ducks now doesn't it, well the Red Raiders would put up 13 points in the first quarter to make it 13-7. But it really was the Harrell show for Texas Tech, as he would throw the ball over 40 times in the first half. But not in a failing way either as he threw 2 straight touchdowns in the second quarter to make it a 27-7 game and really make it look like it was over. All Oklahoma could do before the half was kick a field goal and make it a 17 point game going into the locker room. But it was really put away in the third quarter as the Red Raiders would score again to make it 34-10. Although the Sooners did manage a field goal before the end of the quarter. So with only fifteen minutes left the Red Raiders just had to hold on to a big 21 point lead for another 15 minutes. But would they be able to do it? Half way through the fourth the Sooners would manage a touchdown to make it 34-20. But the Sooners wouldn't get into the endzone again until there was only 34 seconds left in the game. After that they wouldn't see the endzone again and that would be the difference as the final of this game was 34-27 in favor of the Raiders. Well now their isn't even certainty in the Big 12 championship game. As Missouri and Kansas go head to head next week and then Oklahoma could lose it's bid if it loses to Oklahoma State. What this really opens up for the rest of the nation is for other 1 loss teams. Since now a Big 12 South team could knock off the Big 12 north winner and allow a 1 loss team to jump up. Missouri if you were wondering would beat Kansas State 49-32. Although Kansas State had the lead at one point it really ended up becoming the Chase Daniel show.
So it was that time of year again. When those two teams who hate each other more than anything else get together. They go at it for usually a Big 10 championship. As Michigan and Ohio State had the battle in the Big House this year. In a game that was wet and cold could Michigan's senoirs pull out the win, their last chance. Well in the first quarter it actually seemed like the hope was their the passion. As they put together 40 rushing yards and a few successful drives on way to a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. But then it became the Beenie Wells show. As he would help the Buckeyes score a touchdown to make it 7-3 relatively early in the 2nd quarter. Henne left for a while in the second but when Mallett came in the problems would seem to be gone but then quickly re appear with a sack. So in all honesty an injured Henne and Hart and recievers who weren't giving any help as they weren't able to hold on to a pass at all. Leading to a 7-3 game at the half. Although Michigan would get a pick in Ohio State territory at the end of the first half but un able to connect on the field goal. But then the first time Ohio State touched the ball in the second half they would score a 68 yard rushing touchdown. From that point on Michigan's defense was decisive and knew what they wanted. Unfortunately for the Wolverines they just seemed un able to score anything. As either the recievers dropped the balls or Hart couldn't get any help or Henne got pressured. Leading up to what would end up being a 14-3 final. As Michigan's rushing yardage actually went down through out the last 3 quarters. They also failed to get over 100 yards. So the outcome? Ohio State will be going to the Rose Bowl in less they manage to get enough help to go to the national title. Meanwhile Michigan will either be playing a game in the Citrus, Outback or Alamo bowl. Based on who picks them. Seeing as Illinois has a more impressive win over Ohio State and a better overall record. Then Wisconsin also beat Michigan head on head and then is better at traveling so the Outback may take them. Although Michigan is #2 in the Big Ten they may fall all the way to the Alamo Bowl. The other speculation is that a press conference this upcoming Monday could be to announce Lloyd Carr's retirement. Which would lead some to wonder what next for Michigan. Les Miles? LSU's coach perhaps. Or would it be somebody else... perhaps the Cincinnati coach.
West Virginia would keep the Bearcats of Cincinnati at bay 28-23. Keeping their title hopes alive. With all that has happened they'd be the first to get in if LSU or both Big 12 north teams fall at least it seems.
Then in East Lansing the Spartans got to play Penn State. Although the Spartans went up 7-0 early. They wouldn't manage to keep pace with the Nittany Lions for a while. As the Nittany Lions would score and then score a few more before half to make it 17-7 going into the locker room. Not exactly what Michigan State was looking for with 10 Big 10 teams bowl eligible. They really need this win and they stepped up?? Well Penn State would make a strong point as they would score on a fake field goal to make it 24-7. But from their it really became the Michigan State hurrah. As they would score two straight touchdowns to make it 24-21. But Penn State wasn't done either as they came back and scored a touchdown themselves. Though they looked to have momentum back on their side Michigan State's Caulcrick had other ideas. AS he would help lead the Spartans to a touchdown with 11 minutes left in the game making the score 31-28. But then he would also score a huge touchdown with 4 minutes left in the game making the score 35-31. Well Penn State failed to do anything with the ball the first time they got it. Then they managed to get it back with very little time left in the game. But because the quarterback scrambled and then threw it to the center of the field the time ran out. Giving the Spartans their 7th victory this season 35-31. So results of this one? Well now Michigan State should definetly go to a bowl game. Whether or not it is the Motor City bowl or Insight bowl, or Sun Bowl I'm not sure. Depends on how it shakes out. No matter what it is better than the 2-9 Notre Dame Irish who managed their second win against Duke 28-7.
Poll coming on Tuesday!!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Week 12 picks
The Bulldogs look to keep pace against the Wildcats.
Well the Bulldogs are here again this week. They play another good team but yet they still sit there with two losses regretting both of them. A win over Tennessee and perhaps right now instead of just hoping to keep pace in the race for the SEC East. They’d be playing for a national title bid. But that’s a could have, would have sort of thing. Too late now. All they have to hope for now is a Tennessee loss and that’s only if they keep winning. But beating Kentucky will be either a challenge or a walk through.
Kentucky has proven their ability to win with the game against LSU earlier this season. Georgia would like that same opportunity in the SEC title game but to get it they’ll have to be able to stop Andre Woodson. Who was once a heisman candidate, now is just a quarterback with really good numbers. But on the flip side Stafford has really good numbers too. But the running back for Georgia may end up being the difference. As Moreno helped them run away last week against Auburn this week he’ll look to repeat that. This game won’t be a walk over for either team but it definitely is a game to pay attention too. Redemption meets pace.
Georgia 34 Kentucky 23
What was the game last year is once again this year.
Well one of these two teams is playing to get into the Rose Bowl. The other perhaps the Outback or Citrus bowl. Ohio State may be able to lose and make a BCS bowl. Both of these teams want to get into the Rose Bowl to redeem their embarrassing bowl games last year. As Ohio St. will travel to Ann Arbor and the Big House to take on Michigan. This game will show who wants the game, Big Ten more. Either team wins they’ll have the outright Big Ten championship. Once again proving their dominance over the rest of the conference.
Michigan will be looking to play seniors Chad Henne and Mike Hart who would help their cause. As that would make their offense much more compatible to the offense that beat Ohio St. last week. I think if Michigan wants to win this game they’ll have to be able to get the Ohio St. defense on its heels. Then go over the top. While Ohio St. will be looking to beat up on the Michigan defense that has been questionable this season. Maurice Wells will be looking to get the Ohio St. dominance over the last few years out and running early. Yet what is it that I smell, I think I fell times are a changing and the sweater vest may lose a little oomph.
Michigan 30 Ohio St. 21
Expect a shoot out that shakes the Big East.
Well with a Big East title on the line and almost all of the teams still in the race, who isn’t to say that this game could make or break it. One team is looking to keep their national title hopes alive. But to do that they’ll have to beat the other team which has home field advantage and is looking to make a run at a Big East Championship. The powerful West Virginia offense will look to keep tearing teams up. As Pat White and Steve Slaton look to keep the duo threat alive. But with a national title hopes all of the sudden a lot more likely with an Oregon loss… it seems all the more likely they are to lose.
Cincinnati is coming off wins against South Florida and Connecticut they look to keep that play alive against West Virginia. As their fans will be making a lot of noise. But the question is how much noise does the defense want to make. If it decides not to make much this won’t be funny. I don’t care that Cincinnati’s offense is in the top 20 but West Virginia’s is even better. So can they play keep up or will their defense be able to make the noise. They’ll get plenty of help from the fans at the game who will be all in red and black looking for some of that Tuscon Magic.
West Virginia 37 Cincinnati 31
Week 12 in Review coming Sunday
Well the Bulldogs are here again this week. They play another good team but yet they still sit there with two losses regretting both of them. A win over Tennessee and perhaps right now instead of just hoping to keep pace in the race for the SEC East. They’d be playing for a national title bid. But that’s a could have, would have sort of thing. Too late now. All they have to hope for now is a Tennessee loss and that’s only if they keep winning. But beating Kentucky will be either a challenge or a walk through.
Kentucky has proven their ability to win with the game against LSU earlier this season. Georgia would like that same opportunity in the SEC title game but to get it they’ll have to be able to stop Andre Woodson. Who was once a heisman candidate, now is just a quarterback with really good numbers. But on the flip side Stafford has really good numbers too. But the running back for Georgia may end up being the difference. As Moreno helped them run away last week against Auburn this week he’ll look to repeat that. This game won’t be a walk over for either team but it definitely is a game to pay attention too. Redemption meets pace.
Georgia 34 Kentucky 23
What was the game last year is once again this year.
Well one of these two teams is playing to get into the Rose Bowl. The other perhaps the Outback or Citrus bowl. Ohio State may be able to lose and make a BCS bowl. Both of these teams want to get into the Rose Bowl to redeem their embarrassing bowl games last year. As Ohio St. will travel to Ann Arbor and the Big House to take on Michigan. This game will show who wants the game, Big Ten more. Either team wins they’ll have the outright Big Ten championship. Once again proving their dominance over the rest of the conference.
Michigan will be looking to play seniors Chad Henne and Mike Hart who would help their cause. As that would make their offense much more compatible to the offense that beat Ohio St. last week. I think if Michigan wants to win this game they’ll have to be able to get the Ohio St. defense on its heels. Then go over the top. While Ohio St. will be looking to beat up on the Michigan defense that has been questionable this season. Maurice Wells will be looking to get the Ohio St. dominance over the last few years out and running early. Yet what is it that I smell, I think I fell times are a changing and the sweater vest may lose a little oomph.
Michigan 30 Ohio St. 21
Expect a shoot out that shakes the Big East.
Well with a Big East title on the line and almost all of the teams still in the race, who isn’t to say that this game could make or break it. One team is looking to keep their national title hopes alive. But to do that they’ll have to beat the other team which has home field advantage and is looking to make a run at a Big East Championship. The powerful West Virginia offense will look to keep tearing teams up. As Pat White and Steve Slaton look to keep the duo threat alive. But with a national title hopes all of the sudden a lot more likely with an Oregon loss… it seems all the more likely they are to lose.
Cincinnati is coming off wins against South Florida and Connecticut they look to keep that play alive against West Virginia. As their fans will be making a lot of noise. But the question is how much noise does the defense want to make. If it decides not to make much this won’t be funny. I don’t care that Cincinnati’s offense is in the top 20 but West Virginia’s is even better. So can they play keep up or will their defense be able to make the noise. They’ll get plenty of help from the fans at the game who will be all in red and black looking for some of that Tuscon Magic.
West Virginia 37 Cincinnati 31
Week 12 in Review coming Sunday
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
McConkey Poll 11
McConkey Poll
Week 11
Rob McConkey
Rank Last Week AP Team Record Point Avg.
1 1 2 Oregon 8-1 .711
2 2 1 LSU 9-1 .710
3 4 4 Kansas 10-0 .688
4 7 9 Arizona St. 9-1 .674
5 3 7 Ohio St. 10-1 .673
6 8 6 Missouri 9-1 .670
7 5 3 Oklahoma 9-1 .669
8 9 5 West Virginia 8-1 .668
9 12 8 Georgia 8-2 .655
10 13 16 Virginia 9-2 .643
11 17 12 Texas 9-2 .640
12 19 21 Cincinnati 8-2 .640
13 16 14 Florida 7-3 .638
14 14 13 Hawaii 9-0 .634
15 15 10 Virginia Tech 7-2 .634
16 11 17 Boise St. 9-1 .631
17 6 18 Boston College 8-2 .630
18 20 15 Clemson 8-2 .626
19 10 25 Connecticut 8-2 .614
20 NR 19 Tennessee 7-3 .612
21 NR 20 Illinois 8-3 .609
22 23 22 Kentucky 7-3 .606
23 NR 11 USC 8-2 .605
24 22 NR South Florida 7-3 .601
25 NR NR BYU 7-2 .599
Predictions for Week 12 will come tomorrow. Also This winter the top 15 teams in my poll will take part in a McConkey Poll Playoff... which will be played out using NCAA football 2008. Daily weather and specific times. The playoff schedule will be released after the season is over and we will have locations, and times. The games will have stats and be posted on here.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Week 11 in Review
After the first 10 weeks of college football created a big mess. It seemed that perhaps the storm had settled and that the season my be a little more normal. Well week 11 went up in dust too.
Columbus, Ohio, the location of the Horseshoe where #1 Ohio St. is getting a visit from Illinois. Now Ron Zook has a good Illinois team, but there's just no way the Buckeyes will let their title hopes slip away just yet. Especially since they have to travel to the team up north next week. That's right they get to visit Ann Arbor next week for a shot at another title game... but wait Mark May picked them to lose to Illinois and they still have to play before they get the title game spot. Well this game started off as a back and forth game in the first quarter. As Chris Wells got the scoring started for Ohio St. on a 11 yard rush for a touchdown. Making it 7-0. Then Illinois in response had some offense of their own as they marched down the field to make it 7-7. Both of these scoring drives took 3 or less plays and were over 70 yards. So it should give you a pretty good description of what kind of threat these offense are. The next two scoring drives would be longer but leave it 14-14 at the end of the first quarter. Ohio St. isn't able to break away as quickly as some may have thought. Where's the number 1 style of play that they seem to have been showing. Well maybe the second quarter. Illinois would score the only touchdown and the only points of the 2nd quarter. So both teams defenses showed up it seemed leaving the score 21-14. But wait Ohio St is losing at half time? Illinois hasn't lost a game yet this season while leading at half time. But that shouldn't be the same after this week seeing as this game is in the Horseshoe and Ohio State is number 1 in the nation. Well Illinois wouldn't take much time in the second half to score and make it 28-14. Now what is going on? Will Ohio St. stay unbeaten. Well it started looking like they might come back as they scored a touchdown making it 28-21. So it's down to one possession. That would be the score after 3. In the 4th with a little over 8 minutes left Ohio St would throw an interception well no big deal right. They'll just get a three and out and stop. Well 4th and 1 for Illinois they come out to punt, but wait Ohio St calls a time out they aren't ready. Juice Williams convince Ron Zook they can get the first well they go for it and that's what they do. They'd never see another 4th down on their way to knocking off #1 Ohio St. 28-21. This is scary stuff for a team who holds teams to three and outs 44 percent of the time. To allow Illinois to just get first down after first down in an 8 minute drive. Well lets see how the team up north or Michigan did.
Well if Michigan were to win they would have clinched a tie for the big ten. But to do that they'd have to survive Camp Randall. Which as everyone knows the Wisconsin fans have turned into hell for the visiting team. In the first half the stadium was a loud hell for the Wolverines. Who were looking to make the match in Ann Arbor next week a big game. Starting off looking really good was the Michigan offense. But all of that ended as soon as Henne threw a pick and then was pulled for the rest of the game because of the uncertainty of his shoulder. This started the first half destruction. As Wisconsin would score a touchdown taking a 7-0 lead. That would be the score after the first quarter. But then two more scores by the badgers would make the game 17-0. Michigan would then have a successful drive making the score 17-7 but then Wisconson's offense would once again walk on the Wolverine's defense but wouldn't be able to get in the endzone so the score at half was 20-7. But then out of the locker room Michigan would fail to score. Then Wisconsin would take a long 8 minute drive for a field goal and then the score at the end of the third quarter would be 23-7. But then the game actually started getting interesting. As Mallett started looking like a better quarterback. As Manningham cought a pass that he would take 97 yards for the longest touchdown pass in Michigan history making it 23-14. Then after managing to stop the Badgers Mallett led another touchdown drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Arrington making the score 23-21. But then Mallett would throw a pick deep in Michigan territory which would lead to a Badger touchdown making it 30-21. Then Michigan would fail to do anything with the ball the next time they got it and Wisconsin would score another touchdown making it 37-21. Which would be the final. Michigan may have been looking ahead the same with Ohio St. or they just got unlucky because the team they were playing decided it was time to step up and play their best football. The Ohio St. loss would open the door for LSU to take the number 1 spot.
No way LSU could lose to Louisiana Tech right? Well that would be very accurate. It started off a shaky game. Only up 10-0 at the end of the 1st quarter but then by the end of the half they would be up 27-7. Then it would just keep going from there for the Tigers as they kept going and ended up with a 58-10 victory. Allowing them to move up to the number 1 spot, instead of following the main story line of this season. Then for the sake of Oregon they would have a bye. So they wouldn't have to worry about anything as long as the polls go the right way for them no one would jump them for the number 2 spot. But then the unbeaten Kansas Jayhawks were looking to keep it going and keep their title hopes alive.
Who was the lucky team to play them? Well that would be Oklahoma State who was looking to pull the upset with their high powered offense. They would have the homefield advantage and they would get plenty of chances but this is how it would end up going down... McAnderson, Henry and Reesing would lead the Jayhawks to a 20-14 at the half. As Oklahoma State lead early in the 2nd quarter. But after that they just couldn't keep up in the first half. They were sticking to some peoples thought that it would be close and that perhaps that Oklahoma St would be to much for the Jayhawks. Well Kansas would start running away with two straight touchdowns making it 33-14 if your wondering why they only got 13 points it's because they went for a two point conversion on the second touchdown and failed. But then Oklahoma St wouldn't let it end at that. As they would score two straight making the game 33-28. So now they are only 5 behind. So uh oh perhaps another undefeated team would fall. But Kansas wouldn't have to worry for long as they took it over and wouldn't allow Ok. St. to score again with a final score of 43-28. Unfortunately for the Jayhawks wouldn't be able to get up #3 because the pollsters would vote the Oklahoma Sooners above them who beat Baylor 52-21.
Then for you Michigan St. fans out there this is how the game against Purdue would go. Let me tell you this much I predicted the Spartans would be 5-5 at this point but wouldn't be able to step up against Purdue or Penn State. Well would they prove me wrong well were about to find out. At the end of the first quarter Michigan State would be up 7-0 well no big exciting shoot out so far. The first quarter was just the calm before the storm. Purdue would respond in the second quarter and that was only the start of it. Both teams would score again and make it 14-14. Then State would score again but so would Purdue. So neither team seemed able to seperate themselves as it was 21-21. But then the Spartans stepped up and took over as they would score the final 10 points in the 2nd quarter making it 31-21 at the half. Purdue would make it a touchdown game in the third as that quarter ended at a score of 31-24. But Michigan St. decided to really put the Boilermakers away in the fourth as they went up 41-24 before Purdue would even score again. But Purdue would score again and make it 41-31 but then Michigan State would be the last team to score making the final score at the end of the game 48-31 making Michigan State bowl eligible. The only question is will they get to go if they want to for sure they'll have to beat Penn St. But if they don't it will be a tough position with 10 big ten teams now eligible but only 7 big ten tie ins. The best shot they have at a bowl game is Michigan winning the Big Ten going to the Rose Bowl and then Ohio St. getting an at large bid then hoping that two other bowl games open up with at large bids.
Then a very fun game that was back and forth for a while was the Auburn Gerogia game. This game was for Georgia and Auburn just trying to stay in the race for their divisions. Georgia just waiting for Tennessee to fall and then Auburn is hoping for some help from LSU. Georgia would score a field goal to start this one off. Then Auburn would respond with the same. But then a Georgia touchdown would allow this game to be 10-3 at the end of the first quarter. Then in the second quarter the defenses would really step up although Stafford would throw a touchdown for Georgia and Tate would run one in for Auburn. Making it 17-10 at the end of the first quarter. Then in the 2nd half Auburn would come out blazing as they would quickly take a 20-17 lead. But then Moreno decided that he wouldn't allow Auburn to win. As he lead Georgia to 2 touchdowns making it 31-20 at the end of the 3rd. Then in the 4th quarter it would just continue for Georgia as they would emberass Auburn making the final score of this game 45-20. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs the Volunteers from Tennessee would score a big game over Arkansas 34-13 as they made Darren Mcfadden look real bad.
Look for my poll on Tuesday.
Columbus, Ohio, the location of the Horseshoe where #1 Ohio St. is getting a visit from Illinois. Now Ron Zook has a good Illinois team, but there's just no way the Buckeyes will let their title hopes slip away just yet. Especially since they have to travel to the team up north next week. That's right they get to visit Ann Arbor next week for a shot at another title game... but wait Mark May picked them to lose to Illinois and they still have to play before they get the title game spot. Well this game started off as a back and forth game in the first quarter. As Chris Wells got the scoring started for Ohio St. on a 11 yard rush for a touchdown. Making it 7-0. Then Illinois in response had some offense of their own as they marched down the field to make it 7-7. Both of these scoring drives took 3 or less plays and were over 70 yards. So it should give you a pretty good description of what kind of threat these offense are. The next two scoring drives would be longer but leave it 14-14 at the end of the first quarter. Ohio St. isn't able to break away as quickly as some may have thought. Where's the number 1 style of play that they seem to have been showing. Well maybe the second quarter. Illinois would score the only touchdown and the only points of the 2nd quarter. So both teams defenses showed up it seemed leaving the score 21-14. But wait Ohio St is losing at half time? Illinois hasn't lost a game yet this season while leading at half time. But that shouldn't be the same after this week seeing as this game is in the Horseshoe and Ohio State is number 1 in the nation. Well Illinois wouldn't take much time in the second half to score and make it 28-14. Now what is going on? Will Ohio St. stay unbeaten. Well it started looking like they might come back as they scored a touchdown making it 28-21. So it's down to one possession. That would be the score after 3. In the 4th with a little over 8 minutes left Ohio St would throw an interception well no big deal right. They'll just get a three and out and stop. Well 4th and 1 for Illinois they come out to punt, but wait Ohio St calls a time out they aren't ready. Juice Williams convince Ron Zook they can get the first well they go for it and that's what they do. They'd never see another 4th down on their way to knocking off #1 Ohio St. 28-21. This is scary stuff for a team who holds teams to three and outs 44 percent of the time. To allow Illinois to just get first down after first down in an 8 minute drive. Well lets see how the team up north or Michigan did.
Well if Michigan were to win they would have clinched a tie for the big ten. But to do that they'd have to survive Camp Randall. Which as everyone knows the Wisconsin fans have turned into hell for the visiting team. In the first half the stadium was a loud hell for the Wolverines. Who were looking to make the match in Ann Arbor next week a big game. Starting off looking really good was the Michigan offense. But all of that ended as soon as Henne threw a pick and then was pulled for the rest of the game because of the uncertainty of his shoulder. This started the first half destruction. As Wisconsin would score a touchdown taking a 7-0 lead. That would be the score after the first quarter. But then two more scores by the badgers would make the game 17-0. Michigan would then have a successful drive making the score 17-7 but then Wisconson's offense would once again walk on the Wolverine's defense but wouldn't be able to get in the endzone so the score at half was 20-7. But then out of the locker room Michigan would fail to score. Then Wisconsin would take a long 8 minute drive for a field goal and then the score at the end of the third quarter would be 23-7. But then the game actually started getting interesting. As Mallett started looking like a better quarterback. As Manningham cought a pass that he would take 97 yards for the longest touchdown pass in Michigan history making it 23-14. Then after managing to stop the Badgers Mallett led another touchdown drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Arrington making the score 23-21. But then Mallett would throw a pick deep in Michigan territory which would lead to a Badger touchdown making it 30-21. Then Michigan would fail to do anything with the ball the next time they got it and Wisconsin would score another touchdown making it 37-21. Which would be the final. Michigan may have been looking ahead the same with Ohio St. or they just got unlucky because the team they were playing decided it was time to step up and play their best football. The Ohio St. loss would open the door for LSU to take the number 1 spot.
No way LSU could lose to Louisiana Tech right? Well that would be very accurate. It started off a shaky game. Only up 10-0 at the end of the 1st quarter but then by the end of the half they would be up 27-7. Then it would just keep going from there for the Tigers as they kept going and ended up with a 58-10 victory. Allowing them to move up to the number 1 spot, instead of following the main story line of this season. Then for the sake of Oregon they would have a bye. So they wouldn't have to worry about anything as long as the polls go the right way for them no one would jump them for the number 2 spot. But then the unbeaten Kansas Jayhawks were looking to keep it going and keep their title hopes alive.
Who was the lucky team to play them? Well that would be Oklahoma State who was looking to pull the upset with their high powered offense. They would have the homefield advantage and they would get plenty of chances but this is how it would end up going down... McAnderson, Henry and Reesing would lead the Jayhawks to a 20-14 at the half. As Oklahoma State lead early in the 2nd quarter. But after that they just couldn't keep up in the first half. They were sticking to some peoples thought that it would be close and that perhaps that Oklahoma St would be to much for the Jayhawks. Well Kansas would start running away with two straight touchdowns making it 33-14 if your wondering why they only got 13 points it's because they went for a two point conversion on the second touchdown and failed. But then Oklahoma St wouldn't let it end at that. As they would score two straight making the game 33-28. So now they are only 5 behind. So uh oh perhaps another undefeated team would fall. But Kansas wouldn't have to worry for long as they took it over and wouldn't allow Ok. St. to score again with a final score of 43-28. Unfortunately for the Jayhawks wouldn't be able to get up #3 because the pollsters would vote the Oklahoma Sooners above them who beat Baylor 52-21.
Then for you Michigan St. fans out there this is how the game against Purdue would go. Let me tell you this much I predicted the Spartans would be 5-5 at this point but wouldn't be able to step up against Purdue or Penn State. Well would they prove me wrong well were about to find out. At the end of the first quarter Michigan State would be up 7-0 well no big exciting shoot out so far. The first quarter was just the calm before the storm. Purdue would respond in the second quarter and that was only the start of it. Both teams would score again and make it 14-14. Then State would score again but so would Purdue. So neither team seemed able to seperate themselves as it was 21-21. But then the Spartans stepped up and took over as they would score the final 10 points in the 2nd quarter making it 31-21 at the half. Purdue would make it a touchdown game in the third as that quarter ended at a score of 31-24. But Michigan St. decided to really put the Boilermakers away in the fourth as they went up 41-24 before Purdue would even score again. But Purdue would score again and make it 41-31 but then Michigan State would be the last team to score making the final score at the end of the game 48-31 making Michigan State bowl eligible. The only question is will they get to go if they want to for sure they'll have to beat Penn St. But if they don't it will be a tough position with 10 big ten teams now eligible but only 7 big ten tie ins. The best shot they have at a bowl game is Michigan winning the Big Ten going to the Rose Bowl and then Ohio St. getting an at large bid then hoping that two other bowl games open up with at large bids.
Then a very fun game that was back and forth for a while was the Auburn Gerogia game. This game was for Georgia and Auburn just trying to stay in the race for their divisions. Georgia just waiting for Tennessee to fall and then Auburn is hoping for some help from LSU. Georgia would score a field goal to start this one off. Then Auburn would respond with the same. But then a Georgia touchdown would allow this game to be 10-3 at the end of the first quarter. Then in the second quarter the defenses would really step up although Stafford would throw a touchdown for Georgia and Tate would run one in for Auburn. Making it 17-10 at the end of the first quarter. Then in the 2nd half Auburn would come out blazing as they would quickly take a 20-17 lead. But then Moreno decided that he wouldn't allow Auburn to win. As he lead Georgia to 2 touchdowns making it 31-20 at the end of the 3rd. Then in the 4th quarter it would just continue for Georgia as they would emberass Auburn making the final score of this game 45-20. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs the Volunteers from Tennessee would score a big game over Arkansas 34-13 as they made Darren Mcfadden look real bad.
Look for my poll on Tuesday.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Week 11 picks
This Undefeated team looks to keep the dream alive.
Everyone keeps saying that Kansas has to watch itself this weekend. I’m not sure I understand why Kansas is 9-0 proved themselves multiple times this season and they are coming off a win over Nebraska in which they scored 76 points. Big deal right, well seeing as no one has ever done that to Nebraska I think it is a big deal. What does this mean for Kansas, well first off their offense is something to fear. They can’t be seen as a team just getting by anymore. No that is the name of other teams that are undefeated. Kansas has stepped up to the challenge everyone has posted.
But in Stillwater, Oklahoma a team looks to change that. After losing to Texas in another disappointing game. Oklahoma St. looks to bounce back. They’re angry and ready to pull the upset. Their offense has the playmakers to do it. But they need to step up to the level of football Kansas played against Nebraska with. They’ll have to take Reesing off of his post. The record 6 touchdowns he threw against Nebraska makes me wonder how much OSU will really be able to do. Well these two top ten offenses will make this game quite the shootout. The question will Kansas stay true to 9-0?
Kansas 37 Oklahoma St. 24
One in control the other all but done.
Well the east is still up for grabs. But one team sits on top of it in a dominating way in the SEC. Georgia looks like the team to beat from the SEC east. Although the bulldogs would need Tennessee to lose a game to get the SEC east they’d also have to win out. But after winning over Florida this Georgia team looks like the team that could be in the SEC championship. It really falls on the shoulders of Stafford and Moreno to get their offense going. Against the team that they could play in the SEC championship. Although this team needs a lot of help and a victory here to have any real shot with LSU in the picture.
That team would be Auburn who looks to pull the upset over Georgia as they have to travel to Athens, Georgia. The Tigers and the Bulldogs will play for not only a win on their record but a shot for the SEC title game and to stay out of the mess of the SEC. As there are a few teams above but then you look below and everyone is about the exact same. Who will have to do it for Auburn you ask? Well their defense and then a lot will rely on the arm of their quarterback, Cox, who has 1600 yards but a sublime TD-INT ratio in 8-7. Who wants it more?
Georgia 21 Auburn 10
Because I can I’m double picking the Big 10
Michigan and Ohio St. are both undefeated again this season in conference play. They have separated themselves from everyone else in the conference. Next week in the big House the Big 10 title will be on the line… but they must survive this week to keep up the hype.
Michigan must travel to Camp Randall stadium to keep their unblemished Big 10 record alive. Henne and Hart have both helped to turn this season around after a bad start against Appalachain St. and Oregon. They have played through Injuries and their defense stepped up. But now the Wisconsin team looks to destroy the big showdown building up. They failed against Ohio St. last weekend. The big question how will Manningham play?
Michigan 31 Wisconsin 17
The surprise Big 10 team this year will get a shot at knocking off number 1 Ohio St. But can Illinois do it? Can they end a dream season for Ohio St. short? Well they’ll have to rely on their defense to stop the dangerous Ohio St. offense. Then Williams the QB and Mendenson the RB will both have to step up to try and tear down the wall of a Buckeye defense. Any surprises this week?
Ohio St. 35 Illinois 24
Everyone keeps saying that Kansas has to watch itself this weekend. I’m not sure I understand why Kansas is 9-0 proved themselves multiple times this season and they are coming off a win over Nebraska in which they scored 76 points. Big deal right, well seeing as no one has ever done that to Nebraska I think it is a big deal. What does this mean for Kansas, well first off their offense is something to fear. They can’t be seen as a team just getting by anymore. No that is the name of other teams that are undefeated. Kansas has stepped up to the challenge everyone has posted.
But in Stillwater, Oklahoma a team looks to change that. After losing to Texas in another disappointing game. Oklahoma St. looks to bounce back. They’re angry and ready to pull the upset. Their offense has the playmakers to do it. But they need to step up to the level of football Kansas played against Nebraska with. They’ll have to take Reesing off of his post. The record 6 touchdowns he threw against Nebraska makes me wonder how much OSU will really be able to do. Well these two top ten offenses will make this game quite the shootout. The question will Kansas stay true to 9-0?
Kansas 37 Oklahoma St. 24
One in control the other all but done.
Well the east is still up for grabs. But one team sits on top of it in a dominating way in the SEC. Georgia looks like the team to beat from the SEC east. Although the bulldogs would need Tennessee to lose a game to get the SEC east they’d also have to win out. But after winning over Florida this Georgia team looks like the team that could be in the SEC championship. It really falls on the shoulders of Stafford and Moreno to get their offense going. Against the team that they could play in the SEC championship. Although this team needs a lot of help and a victory here to have any real shot with LSU in the picture.
That team would be Auburn who looks to pull the upset over Georgia as they have to travel to Athens, Georgia. The Tigers and the Bulldogs will play for not only a win on their record but a shot for the SEC title game and to stay out of the mess of the SEC. As there are a few teams above but then you look below and everyone is about the exact same. Who will have to do it for Auburn you ask? Well their defense and then a lot will rely on the arm of their quarterback, Cox, who has 1600 yards but a sublime TD-INT ratio in 8-7. Who wants it more?
Georgia 21 Auburn 10
Because I can I’m double picking the Big 10
Michigan and Ohio St. are both undefeated again this season in conference play. They have separated themselves from everyone else in the conference. Next week in the big House the Big 10 title will be on the line… but they must survive this week to keep up the hype.
Michigan must travel to Camp Randall stadium to keep their unblemished Big 10 record alive. Henne and Hart have both helped to turn this season around after a bad start against Appalachain St. and Oregon. They have played through Injuries and their defense stepped up. But now the Wisconsin team looks to destroy the big showdown building up. They failed against Ohio St. last weekend. The big question how will Manningham play?
Michigan 31 Wisconsin 17
The surprise Big 10 team this year will get a shot at knocking off number 1 Ohio St. But can Illinois do it? Can they end a dream season for Ohio St. short? Well they’ll have to rely on their defense to stop the dangerous Ohio St. offense. Then Williams the QB and Mendenson the RB will both have to step up to try and tear down the wall of a Buckeye defense. Any surprises this week?
Ohio St. 35 Illinois 24
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
McConkey Poll week 10
Rank Last Week AP Team Record Point Avg.
1 6 3 Oregon 8-1 .721
2 4 2 LSU 8-1 .716
3 3 1 Ohio St. 10-0 .713
4 5 5 Kansas 9-0 .691
5 7 4 Oklahoma 8-1 .676
6 1 8 Boston College 8-1 .670
7 2 9 Arizona St. 8-1 .667
8 10 7 Missouri 8-1 .666
9 8 6 West Virginia 7-1 .658
10 9 16 Connecticut 8-1 .653
11 11 19 Boise St. 8-1 .651
12 12 10 Georgia 7-2 .650
13 16 23 Virginia 8-2 .644
14 14 14 Hawaii 8-0 .632
15 19 11 Virginia Tech 7-2 .629
16 20 17 Florida 6-3 .628
17 NR 15 Texas 8-2 .628
18 17 13 Michigan 8-2 .616
19 NR NR Cincinnati 7-2 .611
20 18 20 Clemson 7-2 .609
21 22 18 Auburn 7-3 .605
22 13 NR South Florida 6-3 .600
23 NR T24 Kentucky 6-3 .600
24 15 21 Alabama 6-3 .598
25 NR NR Florida St. 6-3 .590
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Week 10 in Review
So it begins. The race to the national championship. This is the point in the season where it will be the team that wants it the most who will step up. Two teams already fell from that position. Yet neither should be counted out just yet.
Starting in Massachusettes. Boston College coming in 8-0 and number 2 in the nation, with hopes to surprise a nation. Plans to go 12-0 win a conference title and then perhaps the national title. Yet Florida St. had other plans in the nasty weather. Weatherford and the Seminoles had other plans. Florida State would come out strong and get up 10-0. Yet then the Eagles would respond and make it 10-7 before the half. Then with 6:43 left Boston College scored to make it 20-17, no worry their defense will step up and get the ball back to the Eagle's quarterback Matt Ryan. Which did happen. So we should see a repeat of last week as with a few minutes left Ryan lead the game winning drive over Virginia Tech. Well, on a pass play looking for Geno Hayes... wait a second that's a Florida St. cornerback. That can't be right, well it is as Geno Hayes picked Matt Ryan off, giving him three interceptions thrown, taking it back with a minute left making the score 27-17. Which would be the final score as Florida St. came out on top. In what was a slugfest. But this was a Lee Corso prediction. What can you say that guy knows his picks. Boston College's national championships are all but gone and Matt Ryan's heisman hopes may be out the door now. Now B.C. must win out and hope for some help. As they won't be the first 1 loss team to get in to the national title. This sets up a number 2 spot for LSU or Oregon.
We'll start with LSU as they traveled to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama and their old football coach who lead them to a national title a few years ago, Nick Saban. I know State fans recognize that name... we'll also get to that game later. But back to this SEC west game. Alabama wasn't going to let LSU just get out easy either as they were hoping to be able to make it to the conference championship game. But to do that they'd have to get past a good LSU team. They started the game with a field goal giving them a 3-0 lead over the Tigers early. But it would only be a matter of time for LSU and Matt Flynn. As they jumped up 17-3 over the Crimson Tide. So this games over right. So much for a good game that'll go to the end. Not exactly as Alabama would come storming back before half time to take a 20-17 lead going into the locker room. Now the game was set up for an exciting second half. Both teams would score a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Then a field goal by LSU to start the exciting 4th quarter would make it 27-27. Then four minutes later a punt return for a touch down by Alabama's return man Javier Arenas would make it 34-27. Then with a little over two minutes it could have been Alabama's shot to put the game in the books but on 4th down and 4 at the Alabama 32 yard line should end this if Alabama can stop. Yet they have to remember that this team went 5 for 5 on 4th downs against Florida earlier in the year. Well sure enough Doucet would get the first and run it to the endzone. Tying it up. Then on Alabama's pursuing drive they'd turn the ball over on their own 3. Which would lead to an LSU touchdown which would give us our final score of 41-34. For LSU this should mean a number two spot in the polls. Especially if Oregon loses to Arizona St.
Well this looked like a normal game for the undefeated Sun Devils as they fell behind 21-3. Which all season they've had slow starts but then been able to comeback. It started looking like that as Arizona St. scored a touchdown and two field goals to make it a 21-16 game right after the half. But then it wouldn't take long for the explsoive Duck's offense to respond. As they would score two straight making it 35-16. Which going into the fourth did not put Arizona St. and Rudy Carpenter in a good position. As now they knew they'd have a big deficit to make up and quickly. Well on a positive note they wouldn't have to worry about Dennis Dixon in the 4th quarter as he went out with an injury. But we quickly found out that wouldn't make a difference although they kept Oregon scoreless in the 4th quarter. But they only managed to score a single touchdown in the quarter. It all came crashing down after Carpenter's turnover in Duck's territory at the end of the game. If Arizona St. could have broken down the Oregon defens it may have had a different out come but because they couldn't it left only 3 teams unbeaten, with their 35-23 loss. So now Oregon believes that they should be the number 2 team as they have beaten USC and Arizona St. in back to back games. Especially as since it was the number 4 team in the nation they beat and it surprising fashion.
Now for the team all of these other teams our chasing. Number 1 Ohio St. for the second season in a row is looking to redeem themselves after last year. They've lost a few to Wisconsin in previous meetings in the Horseshoe. Well they looked strong at first as the Buckeyes played it out to a 10-3 halftime score. So Wiscosin not letting them get away in the game. Making it look like perhaps this Number 1 team might be a little over rated. Well they have another 2 quarters to make their move and shock the nation if they want to. But they'll have to step it up. Well to start the second half even with out PJ Hill they made it look like that was their intent as they came out and took a lead over Ohio State 17-10. Shocking right? Well then the Buckeyes would comeback and score again to make it 17 all. Well but then Beanie Wells took over for the Buckeyes and this game was as good as over with the way he would take off. Making leading Ohio St. to 3 more touchdowns, while the defense kept the Badgers in check making the final score 38-17. How much more could you ask of a number 1 team then a 38-17 point victory over a good conference opponent like Wisconsin. Wisconsin will get one more shot to ruin a perfect big 10 match up brewing this year as Michigan is 8-2 and undefeated in conference play to. If Michigan beats Wisconsin and Ohio St. beats Illinois. The battle in the Big House will be set up for the Big 10 championship. But lets not go to fast here we still have to know if Michigan could survive instate rival Michigan St.
In East Lansing at 3:30 Danantonio Looked to turn the ship around against Michigan. The Spartan senoirs have never beaten Michigan and the Wolverine senoirs looked to keep their perfect record against the Spartans intact. Well this one is for 6 in a row. The question is if Michigan St.'s defense will be able to contain Michigan's offense and more importantly Mike Hart who was back. In the first half it looked like the only offensive plan by either team was get the ball to Mike Hart. As the Spartans scored first to make it 3-0, Michigan's Mike Hart would have two long runs to make it 14-3 at half time. So one third down conversion by the two teams in the first half. How disturbing. Not only that but Mike Hart limped off. Which would set up Michigan State's gameplan. Which was to run, run, run. They did a very good job of it too. But then a Javon Ringer run would set up a Michigan St. touchdown making it 17-14. Michigan State fans were pumped now as their green and white were looking to get a win in the game. Well they'd have to keep it up for another quarter. Which they made it seem like they were as they made it 24-14 with 5 minutes left in the game. Then Mike Hart would get his final rushing yards as he picked up a Mallet fumble for an 18 yard gain on what looked like the final mistake for the Wolverines. Then Hart wouldn't come back in again. Also Henne would comeback and lead the drive that would end in a touchdown pass to Greg Mathews. Now a 24-21 game. So now what will Michigan do since they've had trouble stopping the Michigan St. running attack. Well this time they'd have no trouble. Getting the ball back into Henne's hands. Then into Manningham's hands on a third down for a 28-24 lead. Now Michigan St looked to comeback. But on a 4th and 18 they failed to get past that yellow line on the tv. Which doesn't exsist for those of you wondering. Which then Michigan went into the gamewinning formation since State had no time outs left. Making it six in a row over the Spartans. Michigan and Ohio St. are looking like they may have the dream matchup this year.
Now a team both the Spartans and the Wolverines beat this year. Who 5 other teams also had beaten coming into this weekend. Any guesses? That's right Notre Dame surprising isn't it? Well Notre Dame was looking to keep a 43 game winning streak alive against Navy. Then longest win streak ever in NCAA history. Well this game was long so will go ahead and skip right to the end of the fourth. Where Notre Dame decided to go for it on fourth down instead of attempting a game winning field goal. Well Navy's defense would get Sharpley in an amazing leap. No really the sacker leaped over the Irish blocker. So now the game would go into over time. Well through two it was still tied. In the 3rd overtime you have to go for two if you score a touchdown. Well Navy made their two now it is time for Notre Dame's two. Now lets think about this streak for a while. Last time they loss to Navy gas costed about 30 cents. now it costs about 10 times that. Also Notre Dame has been really bad before but they just don't lose this game. How can it start now. Well after a pass fell to the ground making it seem like the streak was over, well a pass interference gave the Irish one more shot to get their two point conversion. Well on a run play that looked like it might get in at first but ended up having no luck as Navy would stuff the run. Ending the game in a 46-44 final. The streak was over and now Navy fans can celebrate again. While Notre Dame fans now have to wonder and hope they can beat Air Force to keep it from two Academys beating them.
Else where in the nation one of the other two unbeatens Kansas had to play Nebraska. While Hawaii got the week off. Well it had been a while since Kansas had beaten Nebraska. This game started off exciting as Nebraska and Kansas would trade touchdowns. Starting the game off 14-14. Nebraska was actually scoring first up til that point too. But then Kansas had other plans as this turned in to a basketball kind of scoring game. As they took over and by the half the score was 48-24. The final score was 76-39 in favor of Kansas. This was the most points ever scored against Nebraska. As for the southern Big 12 rival Texas, they'd have to make a comeback to beat Oklahoma St. 38-35. Which has been traditional in this game that no matter how far down Texas falls they come back and win. With Vince Young and now with out him. As they were down 35-14 this week. But then would score 24 unanswered to win. Then in the ACC Virginia would survive over Wake Forest 17-16 as the Deacons would miss a last second field goal. To keep the Cavaliers in the ACC race with Virginia Tech.
Well until next time. My poll comes on Tuesday... once again I apologize for last week.
Starting in Massachusettes. Boston College coming in 8-0 and number 2 in the nation, with hopes to surprise a nation. Plans to go 12-0 win a conference title and then perhaps the national title. Yet Florida St. had other plans in the nasty weather. Weatherford and the Seminoles had other plans. Florida State would come out strong and get up 10-0. Yet then the Eagles would respond and make it 10-7 before the half. Then with 6:43 left Boston College scored to make it 20-17, no worry their defense will step up and get the ball back to the Eagle's quarterback Matt Ryan. Which did happen. So we should see a repeat of last week as with a few minutes left Ryan lead the game winning drive over Virginia Tech. Well, on a pass play looking for Geno Hayes... wait a second that's a Florida St. cornerback. That can't be right, well it is as Geno Hayes picked Matt Ryan off, giving him three interceptions thrown, taking it back with a minute left making the score 27-17. Which would be the final score as Florida St. came out on top. In what was a slugfest. But this was a Lee Corso prediction. What can you say that guy knows his picks. Boston College's national championships are all but gone and Matt Ryan's heisman hopes may be out the door now. Now B.C. must win out and hope for some help. As they won't be the first 1 loss team to get in to the national title. This sets up a number 2 spot for LSU or Oregon.
We'll start with LSU as they traveled to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama and their old football coach who lead them to a national title a few years ago, Nick Saban. I know State fans recognize that name... we'll also get to that game later. But back to this SEC west game. Alabama wasn't going to let LSU just get out easy either as they were hoping to be able to make it to the conference championship game. But to do that they'd have to get past a good LSU team. They started the game with a field goal giving them a 3-0 lead over the Tigers early. But it would only be a matter of time for LSU and Matt Flynn. As they jumped up 17-3 over the Crimson Tide. So this games over right. So much for a good game that'll go to the end. Not exactly as Alabama would come storming back before half time to take a 20-17 lead going into the locker room. Now the game was set up for an exciting second half. Both teams would score a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Then a field goal by LSU to start the exciting 4th quarter would make it 27-27. Then four minutes later a punt return for a touch down by Alabama's return man Javier Arenas would make it 34-27. Then with a little over two minutes it could have been Alabama's shot to put the game in the books but on 4th down and 4 at the Alabama 32 yard line should end this if Alabama can stop. Yet they have to remember that this team went 5 for 5 on 4th downs against Florida earlier in the year. Well sure enough Doucet would get the first and run it to the endzone. Tying it up. Then on Alabama's pursuing drive they'd turn the ball over on their own 3. Which would lead to an LSU touchdown which would give us our final score of 41-34. For LSU this should mean a number two spot in the polls. Especially if Oregon loses to Arizona St.
Well this looked like a normal game for the undefeated Sun Devils as they fell behind 21-3. Which all season they've had slow starts but then been able to comeback. It started looking like that as Arizona St. scored a touchdown and two field goals to make it a 21-16 game right after the half. But then it wouldn't take long for the explsoive Duck's offense to respond. As they would score two straight making it 35-16. Which going into the fourth did not put Arizona St. and Rudy Carpenter in a good position. As now they knew they'd have a big deficit to make up and quickly. Well on a positive note they wouldn't have to worry about Dennis Dixon in the 4th quarter as he went out with an injury. But we quickly found out that wouldn't make a difference although they kept Oregon scoreless in the 4th quarter. But they only managed to score a single touchdown in the quarter. It all came crashing down after Carpenter's turnover in Duck's territory at the end of the game. If Arizona St. could have broken down the Oregon defens it may have had a different out come but because they couldn't it left only 3 teams unbeaten, with their 35-23 loss. So now Oregon believes that they should be the number 2 team as they have beaten USC and Arizona St. in back to back games. Especially as since it was the number 4 team in the nation they beat and it surprising fashion.
Now for the team all of these other teams our chasing. Number 1 Ohio St. for the second season in a row is looking to redeem themselves after last year. They've lost a few to Wisconsin in previous meetings in the Horseshoe. Well they looked strong at first as the Buckeyes played it out to a 10-3 halftime score. So Wiscosin not letting them get away in the game. Making it look like perhaps this Number 1 team might be a little over rated. Well they have another 2 quarters to make their move and shock the nation if they want to. But they'll have to step it up. Well to start the second half even with out PJ Hill they made it look like that was their intent as they came out and took a lead over Ohio State 17-10. Shocking right? Well then the Buckeyes would comeback and score again to make it 17 all. Well but then Beanie Wells took over for the Buckeyes and this game was as good as over with the way he would take off. Making leading Ohio St. to 3 more touchdowns, while the defense kept the Badgers in check making the final score 38-17. How much more could you ask of a number 1 team then a 38-17 point victory over a good conference opponent like Wisconsin. Wisconsin will get one more shot to ruin a perfect big 10 match up brewing this year as Michigan is 8-2 and undefeated in conference play to. If Michigan beats Wisconsin and Ohio St. beats Illinois. The battle in the Big House will be set up for the Big 10 championship. But lets not go to fast here we still have to know if Michigan could survive instate rival Michigan St.
In East Lansing at 3:30 Danantonio Looked to turn the ship around against Michigan. The Spartan senoirs have never beaten Michigan and the Wolverine senoirs looked to keep their perfect record against the Spartans intact. Well this one is for 6 in a row. The question is if Michigan St.'s defense will be able to contain Michigan's offense and more importantly Mike Hart who was back. In the first half it looked like the only offensive plan by either team was get the ball to Mike Hart. As the Spartans scored first to make it 3-0, Michigan's Mike Hart would have two long runs to make it 14-3 at half time. So one third down conversion by the two teams in the first half. How disturbing. Not only that but Mike Hart limped off. Which would set up Michigan State's gameplan. Which was to run, run, run. They did a very good job of it too. But then a Javon Ringer run would set up a Michigan St. touchdown making it 17-14. Michigan State fans were pumped now as their green and white were looking to get a win in the game. Well they'd have to keep it up for another quarter. Which they made it seem like they were as they made it 24-14 with 5 minutes left in the game. Then Mike Hart would get his final rushing yards as he picked up a Mallet fumble for an 18 yard gain on what looked like the final mistake for the Wolverines. Then Hart wouldn't come back in again. Also Henne would comeback and lead the drive that would end in a touchdown pass to Greg Mathews. Now a 24-21 game. So now what will Michigan do since they've had trouble stopping the Michigan St. running attack. Well this time they'd have no trouble. Getting the ball back into Henne's hands. Then into Manningham's hands on a third down for a 28-24 lead. Now Michigan St looked to comeback. But on a 4th and 18 they failed to get past that yellow line on the tv. Which doesn't exsist for those of you wondering. Which then Michigan went into the gamewinning formation since State had no time outs left. Making it six in a row over the Spartans. Michigan and Ohio St. are looking like they may have the dream matchup this year.
Now a team both the Spartans and the Wolverines beat this year. Who 5 other teams also had beaten coming into this weekend. Any guesses? That's right Notre Dame surprising isn't it? Well Notre Dame was looking to keep a 43 game winning streak alive against Navy. Then longest win streak ever in NCAA history. Well this game was long so will go ahead and skip right to the end of the fourth. Where Notre Dame decided to go for it on fourth down instead of attempting a game winning field goal. Well Navy's defense would get Sharpley in an amazing leap. No really the sacker leaped over the Irish blocker. So now the game would go into over time. Well through two it was still tied. In the 3rd overtime you have to go for two if you score a touchdown. Well Navy made their two now it is time for Notre Dame's two. Now lets think about this streak for a while. Last time they loss to Navy gas costed about 30 cents. now it costs about 10 times that. Also Notre Dame has been really bad before but they just don't lose this game. How can it start now. Well after a pass fell to the ground making it seem like the streak was over, well a pass interference gave the Irish one more shot to get their two point conversion. Well on a run play that looked like it might get in at first but ended up having no luck as Navy would stuff the run. Ending the game in a 46-44 final. The streak was over and now Navy fans can celebrate again. While Notre Dame fans now have to wonder and hope they can beat Air Force to keep it from two Academys beating them.
Else where in the nation one of the other two unbeatens Kansas had to play Nebraska. While Hawaii got the week off. Well it had been a while since Kansas had beaten Nebraska. This game started off exciting as Nebraska and Kansas would trade touchdowns. Starting the game off 14-14. Nebraska was actually scoring first up til that point too. But then Kansas had other plans as this turned in to a basketball kind of scoring game. As they took over and by the half the score was 48-24. The final score was 76-39 in favor of Kansas. This was the most points ever scored against Nebraska. As for the southern Big 12 rival Texas, they'd have to make a comeback to beat Oklahoma St. 38-35. Which has been traditional in this game that no matter how far down Texas falls they come back and win. With Vince Young and now with out him. As they were down 35-14 this week. But then would score 24 unanswered to win. Then in the ACC Virginia would survive over Wake Forest 17-16 as the Deacons would miss a last second field goal. To keep the Cavaliers in the ACC race with Virginia Tech.
Well until next time. My poll comes on Tuesday... once again I apologize for last week.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
The poll from last week and this weeks picks.
Rank Last Week AP Team Record Point Avg.
1 2 2 Boston College 8-0 .725
2 3 6 Arizona St. 8-0 .720
3 1 1 Ohio St. 9-0 .715
4 4 3 LSU 7-1 .704
5 5 8 Kansas 8-0 .704
6 6 4 Oregon 7-1 .703
7 10 5 Oklahoma 7-1 .665
8 12 7 West Virginia 7-1 .663
9 14 16 Connecticut 7-1 .651
10 9 9 Missouri 7-1 .650
11 17 21 Boise St. 7-1 .645
12 20 10 Georgia 6-2 .641
13 7 20 South Florida 6-2 .632
14 19 12 Hawaii 8-0 .631
15 23 17 Alabama 6-2 .629
16 8 NR Virginia 7-2 .628
17 22 15 Michigan 7-2 .616
18 NR 25 Clemson 6-2 .615
19 11 11 Virginia Tech 6-2 .607
20 13 18 Florida 5-3 .606
21 25 21 Wake Forest 6-2 .605
22 NR 19 Auburn 6-3 .601
23 NR NR Purdue 7-2 .592
24 NR 24 Tennessee 5-3 .592
25 NR NR Illinois 6-3 .590
I’m going to write less about each game this week but I’m going to pick more games.
Lets start right here locally in East Lansing. Michigan should have Hart and Henne back for the game against the Michigan St. Spartans. With both of them back this Michigan offense will run and throw all over a Michigan St. defense that allowed Northwestern to score 48 points.
Michigan 35 Michigan St. 17
Navy looks to end their losing streak against Notre Dame. They haven’t beaten the Irish since the 60’s and now this may be their best chance in years. Since the Irish have one win and look like they forgot how to play football.
Navy 20 Notre Dame 17
Another big one in the horseshoe. As Wisconsin visits Ohio St. this weekend. Looking to end their rein as number 1 in the nation. If they play as well as they were suppose to at the beginning of the year this one could be an interesting game.
Ohio St. 24 Wisconsin 16
The Wildcats looking to make a bowl game. While Iowa’s hope balance on the line. A loss for Iowa and they’ll have 6 and a small shot at a bowl. Northwestern just needs one more win to be bowl eligible. One scores high the other low.
Northwestern 31 Iowa 20
Two teams looking to get into the 3rd or 4th positions in the big ten. As Purdue’s once high flying offense visit’s the Nittany Lions big defense. Both teams had their down points against Michigan and Ohio St. Both teams are looking to prove they’re still good.
Penn St. 23 Purdue 21
3 years ago who would have seen this one coming. Now Illinois is looking to keep themselves looking good by playing against Minnesota. They want to prove they’re a good team in the nation they can’t allow a let down this week.
Illinois 42 Minnesota 27
Boston College at 8-0 looks to keep the dream season going after beating V.T. last week. This week Matt Ryan needs to step up as they play Florida St. Boston College should keep the polls happy with a game that isn’t a last second win.
Boston College 17 Florida St. 7
This ones for the SEC west. As LSU has to travel to Tuscaloosa to play their old coach Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Both teams looking for a lead in the SEC West. Yet neither team will have it easy, as this game is meant to be close on all cylinders.
LSU 21 Alabama 20
Can the Huskies keep it going? They have to beat the Rutgers this weekend if they want to. The good news for Connecticut they get to play at home. Connecticut hopes to keep their long shot, shot at the national championship available.
Connecticut 21 Rutgers 19
Wake Forest has to travel to play Virginia. Who last week looked like a team on a mission now with two losses is written out by many. So can Virginia prove they’re deserving or will Wake Forest show it other wise?
Wake Forest 27 Virginia 14
Arizona St. looks to prove that they deserve to be among the elite as they visit Autzen stadium to play Oregon this weekend. The question of the week is though if they can stop Dennis Dixon and the hi powered offense. That will decide the game.
Arizona St. 35 Oregon 34
Texas must travel to play the good Oklahoma St. offense. Can Texas prove that they deserve to be noticed again? Or will they roll over and die like they have a few times this season. This game will be who wants it more than anything.
Oklahoma St. 31 Texas 20
Air Force 23 Army 10
Toledo 10 Eastern Michigan 9
Kansas 26 Nebraska 17
USC 14 Oregon St. 13
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